Chinese Last Names: A Comprehensive Guide

Looking for information on common Chinese last names? This comprehensive guide will provide you with a detailed list of 40+ popular Chinese surnames, their meanings, and insights into their origins. Learn about the history and significance behind these names, and gain a deeper understanding of Chinese culture and identity.
1. **Wang (王):** King, ruler, sovereign; a common surname, often associated with power and authority.

2. **Li (李):** Plum tree, plum; another common surname, often associated with beauty, longevity, and prosperity.

3. **Zhang (张):** To spread, to open; a popular surname associated with expansiveness, growth, and opportunity.

4. **Liu (刘):** To flow, to stream; a common surname, often associated with fluidity, progress, and adaptability.

5. **Chen (陈):** To display, to manifest; a popular surname associated with clarity, visibility, and accomplishment.

6. **Yang (杨):** Willow tree, poplar tree; a common surname often associated with elegance, grace, and resilience.

7. **Huang (黄):** Yellow, gold; a common surname, often associated with wealth, prosperity, and power.

8. **Zhao (赵):** To summon, to call; a common surname often associated with leadership, authority, and influence.

9. **Wu (吴):** A state in ancient China; a common surname, often associated with cultural richness and historical significance.

10. **Zhou (周):** A dynasty in ancient China; a common surname, often associated with power, longevity, and prosperity.

11. **Xu (徐):** Slow, gradual; a common surname, often associated with patience, perseverance, and wisdom.

12. **Sun (孙):** Grandson, descendant; a common surname, often associated with lineage, family, and continuity.

13. **Ma (马):** Horse; a common surname, often associated with strength, speed, and power.

14. **Zhu (朱):** Vermilion, red; a common surname, often associated with passion, vitality, and good fortune.

15. **Hu (胡):** Barbarian, foreign; a common surname, often associated with diversity, exploration, and adaptability.

16. **Lin (林):** Forest, grove; a common surname, often associated with peace, tranquility, and abundance.

17. **Guo (郭):** City wall, fortress; a common surname, often associated with protection, security, and stability.

18. **He (何):** What, why; a common surname, often associated with questioning, exploration, and wisdom.

19. **Gao (高):** High, tall; a common surname, often associated with ambition, excellence, and achievement.

20. **Tang (唐):** A dynasty in ancient China; a common surname, often associated with power, prosperity, and cultural influence.

21. **Zheng (郑):** To correct, to rectify; a common surname, often associated with fairness, justice, and order.

22. **Xie (谢):** To thank, to decline; a common surname, often associated with gratitude, humility, and politeness.

23. **Han (韩):** A state in ancient China; a common surname, often associated with history, culture, and tradition.

24. **Cao (曹):** Weed, grass; a common surname, often associated with resilience, adaptability, and growth.

25. **Peng (彭):** To rise, to soar; a common surname, often associated with ambition, progress, and achievement.

26. **Yu (于):** To be at, to be in; a common surname, often associated with location, presence, and belonging.

27. **Ji (纪):** To record, to chronicle; a common surname, often associated with history, memory, and tradition.

28. **Jiang (蒋):** River, stream; a common surname, often associated with flow, progress, and adaptability.

29. **Li (黎):** Dawn, daybreak; a common surname, often associated with new beginnings, hope, and optimism.

30. **Shi (石):** Stone, rock; a common surname, often associated with strength, stability, and endurance.

31. **Xu (许):** To promise, to allow; a common surname, often associated with commitment, trust, and reliability.

32. **Xia (夏):** A dynasty in ancient China; a common surname, often associated with history, culture, and tradition.

33. **Luo (罗):** Net, sieve; a common surname, often associated with connection, communication, and understanding.

34. **Chen (沈):** To sink, to submerge; a common surname, often associated with depth, introspection, and quietude.

35. **Lu (陆):** Land, earth; a common surname, often associated with stability, groundedness, and practicality.

36. **Fang (方):** Square, direction; a common surname, often associated with structure, order, and clarity.

37. **Ye (叶):** Leaf, blade; a common surname, often associated with growth, renewal, and nature.

38. **Bai (白):** White, pure; a common surname, often associated with innocence, purity, and clarity.

39. **Li (厉):** Sharp, fierce; a common surname, often associated with strength, courage, and determination.

40. **Su (苏):** To revive, to awaken; a common surname, often associated with hope, renewal, and rebirth.